what it takes to fuel the life of a traveling showgirl

I’ve known Lori for many years through open ballet classes — the kind of shared studio space where you quietly witness someone’s consistency, work ethic, and deep love for performing. Since around 2018, I’ve watched her navigate the reality that many dancers live but few talk openly about: balancing training, performing, travel, and work — often all at once.

In this guest post, Lori offers a behind-the-scenes look at life as a traveling showgirl and continually training ballerina. This isn’t a highlight reel or a “perfect routine.” It’s an honest reflection on what it actually takes to fuel, move, rest, and adapt when your schedule changes week to week and your body is your livelihood.

Her story is a powerful reminder that performance isn’t just about what happens on stage — it’s about the choices made in the car between gigs, the flexibility to adjust when plans shift, and the permission to listen to your body even when you’d rather push through.

I’m grateful to Lori for sharing her experience here, and I know many dancers and performers will see pieces of their own lives reflected in her words. Enjoy 💙M

The Life of a Showgirl is everywhere this year…music, fashion, décor, food. Glitz,

glamour…and packing snacks for multiple shows in one day?

Have you thought about what that life really means for an actual showgirl who is performing, traveling, training, and managing a career simultaneously? Well. Buckle up!

I am a traveling showgirl, and a continually training ballerina who also works multiple jobs. My showgirl gigs range from one to four days a week and vary in distance from my home. During busiest week this fall, I drove approximately 750 miles in four days…performed 4 times, took 2.5ish ballet classes and one very solid solo warmup.

I’m exhausted just typing this…and you might be asking HOW?

In short, I did my best to keep on schedule and listen to my body to adjust. Like many

performers, I can’t just show up at call time and go on. Not only do I have to do my hair, makeup and organize multiple costumes, I have to prepare myself physically and

mentally. I know, for example, I feel best when I can take class or give myself a thorough warmup in the morning. Even if I must drive or travel after that, I find my body responds best this way.

Most days I can do this; but on the last leg of the aforementioned week, I had to get on the road by 8am and give myself a warmup class when I got to my next spot. So, to keep myself from becoming anxious, I got up a little early to do a very quick movement and stretch before getting in the car and used that time to get some fuel in my body, breathe, and reset my mind so that I could focus on my next performance.

Also like some other performers, I tend to eat similar foods on show days. And sometimes that just is NOT possible. I’m constantly reminding myself that is ok, but I

give myself some grace to figure out what that looks like for me. Maybe I can bring foods with me; maybe I can include some grab and go items at Wawa. Allowing myself

space to ensure I’m getting fuel that will give me energy to perform how I want to is a

thought on constant repeat – along with a visual of me on stage at my best. We’re here to give a show and I can’t do that feeling sluggish!

Lastly, I rest. I am 100% guilty in disliking a rest day, and often thinking that I don’t need one. But, as I perform and travel to new venues and reach new heights in my career, I started to realize my body (and mind) are quite literally screaming for rest when needed.

And wouldn’t you know, when I took a rest day after that run of shows, I was able to

really put some work in at the gym and class in following days. Must be a miracle, right?

I don’t have all the answers. My schedule is all over the place from month to month.

And for someone who hasn’t always prioritized health and has a had time straying from a set schedule, I have had to grow and adjust. Some days bring different challenges and I need to take a beat and think about my goals, dreams, and my body in order to plan my day; other days are easier.

I can’t just ignore the cues for hunger or exhaustion, I now respond to them so that I can be THE showgirl that I want to be, and more!

You never know what or where the next be gig will be…

Photo provided by The Prima Valentina (Lori)

ABOUT LORI

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Lori began dancing ballet at age four. She trained in the Vaganova method and as a student in Muhlenberg College's dance program on a scholarship, Lori went on to expand her dance repertoire to include jazz, contemporary, hip hop, heels, and more. 

In recent years, Lori has brought her classic training to the burlesque stage as Valentina, the Bodacious Ballerina of Burlesque. As Valentina, Lori blends technique and tease with sensuality and shapes. She can be found performing up and down the east coast (and then some!) and teaching ballet and floor barre in the DC area. Lori holds a Masters in Public Policy from The George Washington University and Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Dance from Muhlenberg College.